Subaru Brake Pad Set Articles

FAQs— Subaru Brake Pad Set

Someone told me that under normal use, it isn’t a good idea to top up my Subaru’s brake fluid unless the level is below the low-water mark or I have installed brand new pads. Why is that so?

Yes, that’s true because if you do, you will need to open the master reservoir to allow some fluid out the next time you replace your brake pads and push the pistons up the brake caliper. You need to be very careful when putting the pistons back into the brake caliper because too much brake fluid in the reservoir can cause overflow. Spilled brake fluid isn’t just difficult to clean, but this fluid also eats up paint.

What factors should I look at if I want to find the best Subaru brake pad set for my ride?

For you to find the best type of brake pad for your car, you have to consider both how the vehicle is used and the type of the vehicle. You also have to put into consideration some important factors like brake temperature, vehicle weight, pad type, and the way you operate your ride. With these factors in mind, it will be easier for you to discern whether the particular brake pad set you are eyeing is best for your Subaru vehicle.

Why is proper break-in needed after I install a new Subaru brake pad set?

Proper break-in is crucial in the performance of your new brakes as it allows the new brake pads to build an even layer of friction material on the rotors. Breaking in should be done properly to ensure that the initial layer of the said friction material is evenly distributed.

While looking for a Subaru brake pad set, I read about sintered brake pads. What are the benefits of such pads?

Sintered pads are composed of a complex combination of various materials including metallic powders, refractory material, friction modifiers, as well as graphites. These materials provide the pads with the ability to take in heat, provide friction, improve pedal feel, produce minimal noise, and minimize rotor wear. The said compounds are carefully mixed together and pressed to form the shape of the pads. They are then sintered at high pressure and temperature.

Can you give me some tips in cleaning the components of my brake system?

The first tip is to make sure that dirt, water, oil and other elements won’t get into the inner components of your Subaru brake system. If you notice dirt on the inside of the piston, try to spray it out. By doing so, you can prevent the brake piston insulator from seizing inside the piston. The underside of the pistons is almost impossible to clean, and spraying with brake cleaner may never be enough. The best thing you can do is to rotate the pistons so you can have access to the underside. While this is easy to do, you have to be very careful so as not to scratch or score the pistons or to leave tool marks.

How can I properly break in my newly installed Mitsubishi brake pad set?

You need to do 5 moderate to aggressive stops from 40 mph to 10 mph. Do these stops in rapid succession in such a way that the brakes no longer have time to cool down and your vehicle didn’t come to a complete halt. If you have no choice but to stop, make sure to shift into neutral or allow enough space in front so your Subaru can roll slightly while waiting for the light. The rotors will turn hot and depressing the brake pedal helps the pad in creating an imprint on the rotor. Next, perform 5 moderate stops, this time from 35 mph to 5 mph and still in rapid succession without allowing the brakes to cool. You’ll smell some resin, which is just normal as the brakes get hot. Then, drive around for 5 minutes at moderate speed without excessively heating the brakes and without coming to a complete halt. This stage allows the heated resin in your brake pads to cool down and cure. Once the brakes have cooled to standard operating temperature, they are now ready for normal use.

I was told that I should keep every fluid possible off my brake pads. Why is that so?

Other elements besides air and water can result in brake pads that get slick, therefore providing less friction. The brake pads can also get crumbly, causing the friction materials to wear away after just a couple of uses. The effect of fluids to your brake pads depends on how the glue that binds the pad particles together reacts to the chemical that hits it.

Helpful Automotive Resources

March 20, 2020

Car Care Month & COVID-19: Prep Your Vehicle for EmergenciesAlthough experts are advising everyone to stay at home, in my experience, having your car in tip-top condition is essential during times such as these. You never know when you’ll need to drive a long distance to help a family member or gather supplies.

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Why Are My Brakes Smoking?This can be a frightening scenario, especially for new drivers. Seeing smoke or smelling something burnt when stepping on the brakes is certainly not a good sign—but why is it happening?

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March 09, 2020

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April 23, 2020

Stall Risk Prompts Subaru RecallWhen this happens, drivers may notice the check engine light is illuminated or the engine runs rough while driving—manifested by shaking or making unusually loud noises.

April 13, 2020

Subaru Sends U.S. Employees on FurloughAccording to a report published by Automotive News, Subaru will send their U.S. employees on furlough for the time being. The furlough will impact all hourly workers at the company’s facilities in Lafayette, Indiana, where around 5,300 production workers are employed.